Image: The Maiden (Scottish guillotine)

Description: A beheading machine, modelled on the Halifax Gibbet and reputedly introduced to Scotland by the earl of Morton before he became Regent in 1571. In fact, it was ordered to be made by the Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh in 1564, first used on 3rd April 1565 and last used in 1710. 1565. Item the thrid day of Apryle to the pynouris [pioneers] for the bering of dailles [planks] and puncheoins [timber uprights] fra the Blackfreirs to the Croce with the Gibbet and Madin to mak ane scaffald, and awayiting thereon, the day quhen Thome Scot was justefeitt [executed].....vijs. 1565. Item to Andro Gottersoun, symth [sic], for grinding of the Madin.....vjs. viijd. 1583. June 9. For ule and saip [oil and soap] to cresche [grease] the Madin with.....vjs. viijd. 1591. William Gibsone wha was tane and execut in Leith : for careing of the Maiden ther and hame agin.....xxxs. 1615. Item for ane staine and half pund lead to mend the Maidin.....xxxvs. vjd. 1615. Item for scharpin the Maidin to byte 1619. Item to David Broune at the execution of twa Hielandmen with the Maidin at the [Castle] hill.....xl. 1649. James Wilson—payit to the warkmen for holding of him till he was execut and for keipin [catching] his heid. Ane ell of buckrame [stiff cotton cloth] to keip the heid. 1660. To Alexander Davidsone for ane new axe to the Maidin, and he is to mainteane it all the dayis of his lyffe. (extracts from the City Treasurer's Accounts)
Title: The Maiden (Scottish guillotine)
Credit: Own work
Author: Kim Traynor
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License: CC BY-SA 3.0
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